Track teams compete in first Top of Iowa meet

     The North Iowa track teams traveled to Armstrong last Thursday, May 5 for the first ever Top of Iowa West Division meet. Alex Paulson led the boys as a double champion in the shot put and discus, while Noah Paulson was second in the discus. Top performances for the girls included the 4x800 team of Kendall Melz, Brooke Hovland, Megan Davis and Christa Miller with a second place finish, and Hovland also took a second place medal in the 1500 meters.

     “It was a gorgeous night for track and field. Many of the times and performances reflect this,” said Head Coach Jonathan Potter. “Competing in a field of nine high-quality schools makes for tough going in the placing department.  The field events provided a bedrock for our point totals for both genders.

     “Alex Paulson’s double victory in the shot put and discus was outstanding,” said Potter. “He’s worked incredibly hard in the weight room and with his technique over the years, and it paid off on Thursday night with a difficult feat to accomplish - winning both throws events. Noah Paulson was also a double place winner in a tough field, and he threw very well to earn 12 points for our team. On the girls’ side in the throws, a strong third place finish for both Lucy Hughes and Cassidy Sachs in the shot and discus respectively was a great way to start the meet.

     “Points were much harder to come by on the track for both genders,” continued Potter. “The boys have key injuries limiting our lineup and effectiveness but posted season best times in the three relays we competed in. Logan Eichenberger was a double place winner in the 100/200. The girls, again limited by illness and injury, had highlights with Brooke Hovland’s lifetime best in the 1500 and the 4x800’s second place finish. Kendall Melz was also a double place winner for us in the 400/800.

     “The vast majority of the kids came out and competed exceptionally well,” said Potter, noting that health is the primary concern moving forward. “It was a very positive first meet of ‘Championship week’. If the athletes come out and perform at the state qualifying meet like they did at the conference meet, I believe that we will be very satisfied with the outcomes.”

     Look for results in this week's Tribune.